Wisconsin

Wisconsin wants to reduce distance wood is brought into state sites

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is planning to reduce the distance firewood can be brought into state properties as the threat of invasive insects grows.

The Natural Resources Board on Wednesday approved a plan to shorten the distance firewood can moved to state-owned properties from 25 miles to 10.

The decision by the DNR is in response to the expansion of the tree-killing emerald ash borer, an invasive pest and native to China, to new locations in Wisconsin. Firewood is considered a major factor in the movement of the pest across the the eastern United States and Canada.

Campers had been able to bring firewood from a distance of 25 miles, or less, or if the wood has been certified by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The new restriction would not apply to certified firewood.

Public hearings will be held Oct. 29 in Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire and Wausau. Written comments can be sent to Andrea.DissTorrance@wisconsin.gov.

In the metro area, there have been confirmed findings of emerald ash borer in 2013 in Greendale, Greenfield, South Milwaukee and West Allis in Milwaukee County; Oconomowoc in Waukesha County; Village of Fredonia and Town of Belgium in Ozaukee County; and the Town of Farmington in Washington County.

In the city of Milwaukee, an official said the emerald ash borer continues to be confined to an area at N. 80th St. and W. Mill Road, where it was discovered in July 2012.

All told, five new counties have been quarantined by state agriculture officials this year. Jefferson, Dodge, Sauk and Winnebago are all located next to counties where the bug has been found. The fifth county is Douglas County, in northwestern Wisconsin.

It's illegal to bring firewood into Wisconsin from states that have emerald ash borer infestations.

The state agriculture department encourages the public to buy firewood close to where it will be used.